Job hunting is scary - we totally get it. Instead of looking at the job process as intimidating, it's important to look at it as a learning experience and an opportunity to reveal your talent and worth! An interview is the necessary key to unlock the door to your dream job.
Like anything in life, you have a greater chance of success if you are armed with knowledge and the right resources. Remember that getting the interview is usually the hardest part, so always come prepared and show the company why you're the best candidate for the job! Whether you are looking for a career in social media, public relations, or marketing, these 5 tips will help you become a top-notch candidate.
Here's 5 tips from Be Social to help you land your dream job:
1. Keep your resume short + sweet, but impactful
For example, instead of simply stating "built media lists" rephrase to show results achieved from your work. New and improved version: "Built media lists to assist PR team which resulted in client placements on Refinery29, InStyle and more." Your resume should sum up specific actions you performed that led to successful results. If you're completely new to the business and don't necessarily have those direct results to speak of yet, you can still develop a resume that demonstrates your capabilities! In this day, we all are proficient in Microsoft Word. Instead of wasting space with that, make note of more valuable skillsets such as relevant internship experience and responsibilities, your impeccable organizations, and notable writing skills.
2. Have a well-designed resume
Our agency receives nearly 30+ resumes a day, if yours looks the same as the rest... it's difficult to stand out and easy to get passed by. If you don't incorporate the same words in your resume that are stated in the company's applicant profile, your resume will not be put into the hands of a recruiter. Each resume you send out should be tailored to the specific position at the exact company to ensure you will be considered for an interview. For example, if you are applying for a publicist position, be sure to point out the necessary skill set required including writing pitches, building media lists, fostering media relationships, etc. If you are applying for a social media position, be sure to note any scheduling softwares you are skilled in, whether you know how to manage paid ads on social, writing blog posts, etc.
In terms of a template, you don't necessarily need to purchase a template. A free platform we love? Check out Canva. Do your best to keep your resume to one-page by tailoring to your most impressive and relevant work history and accomplishments. At Be Social, we love to see personality! You can easily add a little color to your resume with an eye-pleasing header and layout so it has a little more punch than just a plain white page with Times New Roman font.
3. Have relevant writing samples
Can't emphasize the importance of writing samples enough! Again, this falls back on keeping your resume and examples relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a publicist position, attach a pitch or press release you wrote. For social media, attach a blog post, or examples of Instagram posts you crafted. If you're fresh in the industry and don't have previous work form internships or jobs, or you simply want to make a big impression, create you own writing sample with a client from the agency you're applying to! Talk about #initiative.
4. Double Check Your Email Etiquette
Likely, your first interaction in applying for a job is through email. Especially for a position at an agency, email is everything. Considering the high number of applicants job offers typically receive, your intro email needs to be concise, eye-catching and professional. Avoid a lengthy email listing your whole work history - those are easy to just skim through and miss all your amazing point. Instead, do your best to highlight a few key reasons why you're the perfect fit for the job based on the job description listed. And, of course, double check for grammar, spelling errors and typos. Need some inspo to get started? See below:
Hi [name of hiring manager, or director of position you are applying to. If you can find a direct name and contact - the better!]
I am writing to apply for the xx [name of position - clarify what you are applying for especially if multiple job listings are available]. Given my previous experience at xx [current position or past experience that is relevant] I know I would be a great asset to the Be Social team.
Please find attached my resume, cover letter and a writing sample. I look forward to your consideration!
Best,
xx
5. Tell them you want the job
After the scary interview is finally over, you will most likely want to exit the building ASAP. However, taking the time to conclude your interview in a professional, enthusiastic way can go so far. During the closing of your interview, you should always reiterate that you genuinely want the job. It may seem forward, but it solidifies to the interviewer that you are still interested in the position even after that terrifying interview. This small reassurance could be what sets you apart from the other candidates and may ultimately land you the job! Don't let the job hunt intimidate you. Be forthcoming in what you're looking for in a position, and why you think you're the perfect fit. After the interview, give a few days before you follow-up via email if you haven't heard back already to keep your name top of mind.
Best of luck and happy resume writing!
Source
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